Undergraduate Research Courses
Completing a research course connects class work to real-world applications and shows students how professional lab experiments run or how scientists use supercomputers.
All BS in Physics, BS in Biophysics and BS in Astronomy and Astrophysics students are required to complete one three-credit research course. BA in Physics students may also complete research courses for credit.
Consult your research advisor and the departmental undergraduate advisor for guidance on how to satisfy a research course. All majors in the Department of Physics also have to take the Physics Capstone (PHYS 4195W) course, which prepares students for doing research and guides them in defining a research project. All BS students also have to take the Physics Symposium (PHYS 4200) course, which guides students in preparing a written report on the research project, a poster presentation at the CCAS Research Showcase, and an oral presentation at the Physics Undergraduate Symposium Day.
Research Advisors
Every student wishing to complete a research course must choose a research advisor. The advisor oversees progress on the project, provides necessary assistance and determines the final grade.
The research advisor must be a member of the Physics Department faculty, even in cases when the project is completed in another department or another institution. Students may involve additional research advisors, pending agreement from the faculty research advisor and the departmental undergraduate advisor.
Students should carefully review the list of faculty by research group to find a potential research advisor and reach out to them directly. Students are also guided in this process during the capstone course.